Berlin the Polar Bear Moving to the Kansas City Zoo for Breeding

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St. Paul, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- The Lake Superior Zoo's polar bear Berlin is moving once again, this time to another state in hopes that she will breed with another polar bear.

Berlin will be moving to the Kansas City Zoo from the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in mid-December. She will be paired with Nikita, a six year old male polar bear, as a potential breeding partner due to a Polar Bear Species Survival Program recommendation.

Lake Superior Zoo Director of Zoo Operations Peter Pruett says that one of the important aspects of being an AZA-accredited institution is the ability to take part in programs like the Species Survival Plan.

The polar bear population is declining in the wild so zoo officials believe this is a great opportunity for Berlin to be part of the survival of her species.

Berlin will be turning 23 years old in December and although she is considered to be older, polar bears can live until their mid 30s in captivity.

Lake Superior Zoo staff say they are excited about the recommendation and have high hopes that it will be successful.

Zoo officials are not certain if Berlin will return to Duluth, but if she does they hope they can welcome her with a new and safe place to live.

Zoo staff and partners are working with ELM, an architectural consulting firm, on finalizing conceptual plans for a new polar bear facility after June's floods devastated the zoo's grounds.

“This is a combination of good and sad news,” said Pruett, “We are glad that she is healthy and has the potential to have cubs but we are also sad that she will be farther away.” said Pruett.

Visitors can help the Lake Superior Zoo celebrate Berlin’s Birthday and wish her and Nikita luck with their love connection on Saturday, December 8th from 10 am – 2 pm.

The Como Zoo will also be throwing Berlin a birthday and bon voyage bash this weekend.